Star Smog Check Info

What is the STAR Smog Check Program?

The STAR Program was created by California to “weed out” low performing smog check stations. Smog stations now receive a report card and are scored relative to other smog check stations in California. High performing stations (accurate smog testing) are STAR certified and allowed to inspect STAR directed vehicles. Low performing stations will not be able to certify STAR directed vehicles.

Types of stations in the Star Smog Check Program?

When the STAR Program begins on January 1, 2013, Smog Check stations planning to test vehicles can be licensed as either a Test-Only station or a Test-and-Repair station. Gold Shield stations will cease to exist. Both Test-Only and Test-and-Repair stations may apply for STAR certification. As a result, there will be four possible station types: